Letters for Sept. 22, 2004 An angel helps cancer patient I'm a 29-year-old female. In April of 2003, I was told I had breast cancer. I did what every woman should do - go see a surgeon. That surgeon told me to have my breast removed and begin treatments. I wanted to save my breast. I had several people tell me to see another surgeon. Thank God that Santa Maria happens to have an angel in this town, by the name of Dr. Monica Rocco, who specializes in breast disease. She told me she could save my breast, so I went with a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Today, I am cancer-free, thanks to that angel and her staff who were there to hold my hand and talk to me every time I called them. There are a lot of people going through what I did, but now it is easier because Dr. Rocco moved to a bigger office. Congratulations to her and her staff. Living in Santa Maria with the diagnosis of cancer, you now have the options in surgeons and treatments available that were never in this town. Veronica Aceves Santa Maria Kerry is best for top job John Kerry is better able to fight an intelligent war than George W. Bush. To carry out your mission, you need to study the enemy. The insurgents of the Middle East believe themselves to be part of a revolution that has been in the brew for many years. What we hear from Bush is "Bring it on" and "Stay the course." What is this, a chicken fight? We need more than a cheerleader. What background in homeland security does Tom Ridge have? None. He's just a guy Bush owed a favor to. We have proceeded in a sloppy manner to secure the homeland. It's time for someone new to make the decisions. Bush and his supporters pick at the times Kerry has changed his vote. Congressional bills are so added to, subtracted from, combined and amended, to that point that it takes an astute senator to change with the process. Bush pushes legislation similar to that of Calvin Coolidge when he was president. Because of inflation and lack of progressive tax reform, the middle-class is carrying a much larger portion of the real tax burden than in previous decades. Remember regressive taxation from nearly a century ago? That's what we have now. Trickle-down times should be over. There is a new labor/small business movement afoot now. The local supermarket boycott was part of it. And you are, too.Vote for John Kerry. Peg Pinard and Stewart Jenkins are also great candidates to vote for come November. It is the right choice. Marilyn Bonucci Santa Maria Liberals just don't get it Some of your readers have wondered why conservative radio talk show hosts, specifically, Limbaugh, Hannity and Michael Savage, are so angry. They are angry for the same reasons all conservatives are angry - because we are so sick and tired of trying to explain even the basic truth to liberals, who never seem to get it. It doesn't matter what the issues are - affirmative action, crime and punishment, the role of government in our lives, taxes, spending - Democrats seem either unwilling or unable to grasp even the basic, self-evident concepts which are so obvious to the rest of us. They seem only capable of discerning what fits in with their own peculiar, progressive world view. For example: In spite of all the documented facts on Iraq, the Bush-haters still maintain he started the war by lies, deceit and manipulation. That there were no weapons of mass destruction, and that the war was totally unwarranted, unnecessary and too harsh. Sen. Kerry, on the other hand, has stated he would like to see a softer, milder, more diplomatic war on terrorism. Obviously, he does not fully comprehend the true scope and design of these international criminals. One would think, in view of the recent Russian school atrocity, that Kerry and the Democratic leadership would have changed their tune by now. Not to do so is, at best, delusional.Who knows, perhaps someday liberals will finally being to see the light. We can only hope. Larry Bargenquast Santa Maria Troop salute a big success I want to thank the many people who attended the first annual 9/1l American Thunder Rally and barbecue supporting our troops at Mitchell Park. Many businesses and individuals contributed their time and money to make this event memorable and profitable. We collected a truckload of goods. The Military Parents of the Central Coast is shipping the items to our soldiers. We were also especially pleased to welcome home the numerous Vietnam veterans who had never been properly thanked for their service. A special thanks goes to all the businesses, church groups and other organizations for their generous donations. A soldier gave the proper perspective while viewing the political demonstrators present and said he serves to protect the protesters' right to demonstrate against him. We salute our troops. Matt Kokkonen San Luis Obispo Corbett plays both sides Again, Steve Corbett uses his position as a columnist to persuade his followers. I realize that he or anyone can exercise his or her freedom of speech, but where are the responsibilities when you choose to exercise your rights? Unlawful freedom is an oxymoron. For example, illegal aliens have the freedom to cross our borders, buy op-rent homes and live among us, buy vehicles and drive them, find jobs and work, etc., but it is against the law. Illegal aliens do not have rights of freedom in our country! Mr. Corbett protrays himself to be a good-hearted sympathizer toward illegal aliens, but on the other hand, he also sides with the unions, which are being driven out of business because of illegal aliens who are primarily responsible for taking over the jobs that where and are historically handled by unions! Mr. Corbett should quit being a fence-straddler. His opinions are clearly confusing! Sharon England Santa Maria |